Bleeding

Tormentil or bloodroot is a creeping perennial plant which is a member of the rose family. It grows throughout Europe on moors and in grassy places. The herb and root are used in herbal medicine, and commonly used for irritable bowel syndrome.

Medicinal Properties of Tormentil

This herb contains high levels of tannins (10% to 30%) and other phenols, which gives it a potent astringent action, especially in the digestive tract. Tannins also bind to proteins in the mucous membranes and therefore protects tissues from irritation, pathogenic bacteria and toxins. Tormentil also contains a red compound called phlobaphene or tormentil red. It is said to be haemostatic (controls or stops bleeding) and may have mild positive actions on the immune system.

Tags: Bleeding, Colitis, Diarrhoea, Diverticulitis, Immune System, Infections, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactation, Skin, Sore, Ulcers, Vaginal

Greater plantain is native to Asia and Europe, but now grows all over the world. In the UK it is classed as a weed. It should not be confused with the banana-like food, plantain. Another plantain called ribwort plantain (plantago lanceolata) is similar in action, but Plantago Major is preferred in herbal medicine. It is mainly the leaves which are used medicinally, but sometimes the seeds can be of use as a laxative.

Medicinal Properties of Plantain

The leaf contains a variety of compounds including irridoids (mainly aucubin), tannins, flavanoids (particularly apigenin), mucilage and a variety of plant acids. Acubin is a mild laxative and diuretic, whereas apigenin and another flavanoid, baicalein are both anti-inflammatory, whilst baicalein is also anti-histamine. It is anti-haemorrhagic, antibacterial, haemostatic (reduces internal bleeding), astringent, blood tonic, expectorant, demulcent (soothing) and antacid .

Tags: Bleeding, Bronchitis, Burns, Cough, Cystitis, Eczema, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactation, Piles, Stomach, Thrush, Toothache, Ulcers, Vaginal

Also known as lions foot, it is a common wild plant that readily grows in Britain and Europe. The whole aerial parts are used orally as a medicine, and the root is used in topical preparations. It gets its name from a Middle Ages dedication to the Virgin Mary as it was seen as a herb for women of all ages.

Medicinal Properties of Lady’s Mantle

This herb contains a 6%-8% tannins consisting of glycoside, ellagic acid. It also contains some salicylic acid. It is a powerful astringent and styptic (stops bleeding), as well as having haemostatic and regulating effects of female hormone health.

Lady’s Mantle Herbal Remedies

Historically Lady’s Mantle has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Tags: Bleeding, Colitis, Diarrhoea, Gastritis, Menstrual, Nose Bleeds, Periods, Stomach, Thrush, Ulcers, Vaginal

This is an invasive plant native to Britain, Russia and middle eastern Europe. The leaves, roots and stalks of this weed are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Knotgrass

It contains compounds such as tannins, namely catechin and gallic acid, which have potent astringent and haemostatic (slows bleeding) properties. It also contains silicic acid which is a source of the mineral silicia, which helps support the immune system in cleansing the body of toxins and improves the elasticity and strength of connective tissue. It also contains flavanoids such as quercetin, which is anti-inflammatory as well as mucilage and polyphenolic acids.

Knotgrass Herbal Remedies

Historically Knotgrass has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

Tags: Arthritis, Bleeding, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Diarrhoea, Gout, Immune System, Lactation, Nose Bleeds, Periods, Piles

This is a blue gum and is a very large evergreen tree that originates from Australia and Tasmania, but is now grown world-wide and mainly used for its essential oil. The leaves contain the oil and this is used in herbal medicine as well as being the main food that koala bears eat. There are over 700 species of eucalyptus of which 500 produce a type of essential oil.

Medicinal Properties of Eucalyptus

The Eucalyptus leaves contain around 70% to 85% of a volatile oil known as eucalyptol (cineol), as well as various flavanoid compounds. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, expectorant, antispasmodic and acts powerfully on the mucous membranes of the nose reducing congestion. It is also said to reduce fever and keep insects away.

Tags: Arthritis, Asthma, Bleeding, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cold, Cough, Diarrhoea, Fever, Headaches, Infections, Kidney, Lactation, Liver, Lumbago, Nausea, Pain, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sinus, Sore, Tension, Throat, Ulcers, Vomiting

Witch hazel is native to North America, but can now be found growing in most parts of Europe and Britain. In herbal medicine the leaves and the tree bark are used.

Medicinal Properties of Witch hazel

Witch hazel contains very high levels of tannins and volatile oils, which are astringent, anti-inflammatory and mildly antiseptic. It also contains saponins and flavonoids. Witch hazel is toning to the skin and blood vessels when applied topically. It is also able to slow down bleeding from cuts, wounds and piles.

Witch hazel Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend witch hazel for the following disorders:

Acne
Cold sores
Nose bleeds
Haemorrhoids
Varicose veins

Tags: Acne, Bleeding, Cold, Eczema, Haemorrhoids, Inflammation, Nose Bleeds, Piles, Skin, Sore, Varicose Veins, Wound

Vinca minor or lesser periwinkle is an evergreen perennial shrub that grows mainly in the northern hemisphere. This invasive plant is found growing in woods and hedgerows. In France, it is sometimes called ‘Virginflower’ due to its madonna blue coloured flowers. Not to be confused with Vinca major or greater periwinkle, which has some but not all of its medicinal properties. European herbalists have used this herb for headaches, vertigo, and poor memory since medieval times. The flower, roots and leaves are used in herbal medicine.

Medicinal Properties of Lesser Periwinkle

Vinca minor / lesser periwinkle contains high levels of an alkaloid known as vincamine, especially in the leaves. This compound has vasodilating (dilates blood vessels) and memory enhancing properties. This herb also has high levels of tannins, which account for its astringent, toning actions on blood vessels and its ability to slow down or stop bleeding.

Tags: Alzheimer, Bleeding, Catarrh, Dementia, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Flatulence, Headaches, Indigestion, Lactation, Memory, Periods, Piles, Tension

Pau d’arco, lapacho or tahhebo is a tree native to the rain forests of Latin America and was used by the ancient Incas. The shredded bark of the tree has been used by indigenous tribes ever since to make a tea with many medicinal properties.

Medicinal Properties of Pau d’arco

Pau d’arco contains two main naphthaquinones, lapachol and beta-lapachone which have potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. Historically, it was thought to have tumour-fighting effects and was used to strengthen immunity and as a protection against gut parasites.

Pau d’arco Herbal Remedies

Our herbalists recommend Pau d’arco for the following disorders:

Candidiasis (systemic)
Oral Thrush
Thrush (vaginal)

Tags: Bleeding, Candidiasis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Immune System, Infections, Nausea, Parasites, Thrush, Tired All The Time, Vaginal, Vomiting

Bistort or adderwort is a traditional herb used in European herbal medicine. The root and rhizome have key medicinal properties.

Action of Bistort

It contains many compounds, but in particular high amounts of tannis. The tannis gives this herb powerful astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. It is also said to be anti-catarrhal, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-haemorrhagic and a demulcent herb.

Bistort Uses

Historically bistort have been used to treat a number of conditions including:

| Catarrh
| Diarrhoea – especially for children
| Diverticulosis
| Incontinence
| Irritable bowel syndrome
| Nasal polyps
| Nose bleeds – and other situations where bleeding needs to be slowed
| Sore mouth and inflamed tongue (as a mouthwash)
| Uterine infections with discharge (vaginal douche)

Tags: Bleeding, Catarrh, Diarrhoea, Incontinence, Infections, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactation, Nasal, Nose Bleeds, Sore, Vaginal

Yarrow, milfoil or nosebleed is a plant native to Europe and Asia. It is now naturalised in North America and there are several hybrids of yarrow. A. millefolium is the plant most known and has been used since the times of the ancient Chinese. It was once referred to as Englishman’s quinine. In herbal medicine the flowering tops are freshly collected and used.

Medicinal Properties of Yarrow

It contains a wide variety of compounds including volatile oil, sesquiterpene lactones, flavanoids, alkaloids, polyacetylenes, triterpenes, sterols, phenolic acids, coumarins and 3% to 4% tannins. The volatile oil contains chemicals called chamazeulines which are thought to be anti-inflammatory. The flavanoids, namely apigenin, appear to be antispasmodic in action. The alkaloids and sesquiterpene lactones give the herb digestive bitter properties, and the haemostatic effect (stops bleeding) is attributed to the alkaloid, achilleine, though the tannins may also be responsible. It is diaphoretic (reduces sweating), hypotensive, analgesic and an emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation).

Tags: Amenorrhoea, Appetite, Bleeding, Cold, Colic, Colitis, Diarrhoea, Digestion, Fever, Flu, Heart, Heartburn, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Inflammation, Influenza, Lactation, PMS, Rash, Skin, Ulcers, Vaginal, Varicose Veins, Wound